Sunday, March 29, 2009

BTW, this one is fully fixed - no brake. Took it for a reasonable spin this arvo. The ratio is relatively high, so it's not exactly zippy.

Riding it actually reminded me of my learning to ride a motor bike.....x12. You just have to be fully aware of your entire surroundings; who and what are going where and at what speed. It astounds me the number of people who rely on their hearing to cross the road. Often, if they don't hear a vehicle, they just don't bother to look! You have to plan your route second by second and totally re-calculate your capacity to stop. This involves constantly planning alternate routes - if the car indicating doesn't turn or the person crossing the road changes their mind, or if the car approaching speeds up at the last minute.

And well....it was a HOOT! Also found that with the low cross bar, you can swing your knees right across, which makes for some tight corners at low speed.

I built (re-built) this bike with the intention of selling it. Just an exercise in design. When it's all up and running, I'll be looking for $750 ($AU that is) for it (including $450 worth of wheels). That'll be with a basic seat though. The leather San Marco saddle with the copper rivets (pictured) is an optional extra @ $250.

I'm 6 foot and the bike's a little short from the bars to the seat for me. It may be better for somebody a little shorter.